Shows
Finding Grandpa CharlieA Prelude to Season Two: Unraveling the PastIn this special episode of 'Finding Grandpa Charlie', host Erv Lenzy reviews the significant discoveries from season one, focusing on the life of his great grandfather, Charlie Henderson, who faked his death in 1912. The episode explores Charlie's early life, the tragedies that led to his disappearance, the unraveling of the family story, and the lives of his second family. It also hints at future explorations into New Mexico and California, where more secrets about Charlie's life may be uncovered.TakeawaysThis episode is a bridge to connect the dots before season two.Charlie Henderson faked his...
2025-08-0517 minFinding Grandpa CharlieEp 08 - Death of a GhostThis conversation explores the mysterious life and disappearance of Charlie Henderson, a man who lived a life of evasion and ultimately vanished without a trace. Through the narrative, Irv Lenzy delves into the circumstances surrounding Charlie's last days, the fatal crash that claimed his life, and the enigmatic hitchhiker who was with him. The story unfolds to reveal family secrets, unanswered questions, and the search for closure, culminating in a reflection on the legacy of silence that Charlie left behind.TakeawaysSome stories don't end in a whisper; they end in motion.Charlie...
2025-06-1323 minFinding Grandpa CharlieEp 07 - Blood & InkSummaryIn this episode of 'Finding Grandpa Charlie', Erv Lenzy delves into the complex family history surrounding Charlie Henderson and Henrietta Waters. Through a mix of personal anecdotes and genealogical research, Irv uncovers the silence and loss that permeated their lives, revealing the struggles of tracing family roots amidst a backdrop of abandonment and erasure. The narrative explores the power of DNA in resurrecting forgotten stories and the emotional weight of familial legacies.TakeawaysSome stories are told in ink. Others are passed down in blood.Henrietta was the mystery matriarch...
2025-06-0629 minFinding Grandpa CharlieEp 06 - Dead Reckoning: The California ConnectionVisit the website for this podcast for more information, or to catch up on mew episodes: Summary: This conversation explores the intertwined lives of Marie Josephine Ruponer and her children, focusing on their struggles during the Great Depression, the choices they made, and the legacies they left behind. It highlights the contrasting paths of Marie's daughters Mary Louise, and Bobby May, as well as her son Mike, and how their lives reflect themes of survival, family bonds, and the impact of choices across generations.Takeaways:Marie Josephine Ruponer faced significant hardships as a mother.Et...
2025-05-3029 min
Finding Grandpa CharlieEp 05 - Dirt & Death - Grief and Resilience in Frontier LifeThis conversation explores the life of R.A. Henderson, a man shaped by the land and the hardships of frontier life in Texas. Through the lens of his experiences, we delve into themes of grief, resilience, and the search for stability amidst constant movement. The narrative highlights the connection between the land and its inhabitants, emphasizing how history and memory are intertwined in the soil.TakeawaysThe land holds memories of those who worked it.R.A. Henderson's life reflects the struggles of many settlers.Grief can drive people to keep moving forward.Building a life...
2025-05-2328 minFinding Grandpa CharlieBONUS - Erv's Podcast Chathttps://www.podpage.com/finding-grandpa-charlie/In this episode, Erv Lenzy discusses the evolution of his podcast, emphasizing the importance of listening to previous episodes to understand the ongoing narrative. He shares insights from his genealogy research, revealing discoveries about his family history, particularly focusing on Charlie's disappearance and the generational impact of family decisions. The conversation highlights the use of AI in storytelling and the significance of understanding one's roots.takeawaysThe podcast is a linear story that builds on previous episodes.Genealogy research has become more accessible post-pandemic.Discovering family...
2025-05-2116 min
Finding Grandpa CharlieEp 04 - Silence & CinderThis episode explores the life of Henrietta Waters, an indigenous woman who migrated to Texas in the late 19th century. It delves into her journey, the challenges she faced as a young mother, and the complexities of her relationships, particularly with Charlie, the father of her child. The narrative highlights the broader context of indigenous migration during this period and the silent struggles of women like Henrietta, who navigated a world that often overlooked their stories. Ultimately, it reflects on her legacy and the impact of her life on future generations.TakeawaysHenrietta's journey reflects a...
2025-05-1725 min
Finding Grandpa CharlieEp 03 - The Pines Rememberhttps://www.podpage.com/finding-grandpa-charlie/In this episode of 'Finding Grandpa Charlie', Erv Lenzy delves into the mysterious life of Charlie Henderson, and the history of timber industry in Ratcliffe. The narrative unfolds through census records and personal anecdotes, revealing Charlie's dual life and the emotional toll on those he left behind. The episode highlights the complexities of family history and the challenges of uncovering the truth about one's ancestry.TakeawaysCharlie Henderson's disappearance left a significant gap in family history.The 1920 census revealed Charlie's second family in Potter County, Texas.Henrietta faced immense...
2025-05-1125 min
Finding Grandpa CharlieEp 02 - The Ghost of Grandpa Charliehttps://www.podpage.com/finding-grandpa-charlie/In this episode of Finding Grandpa Charlie, Erv Lenzy embarks on a journey to uncover the life and mysterious disappearance of his great grandfather, Charlie. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and historical context, Erv explores Charlie's roots in Bonham, Texas, the family legacy of the Hendersons, and the complexities of Charlie's life, including his double existence and eventual vanishing act. The narrative weaves together themes of family history, identity, and the search for truth amidst fragmented memories and records.TakeawaysGrandpa Charlie was a figure shrouded in mystery...
2025-05-0523 min
Finding Grandpa CharlieEp 01 - Whispers and Ghost Storieshttps://www.podpage.com/finding-grandpa-charlie/In this episode of 'Finding Grandpa Charlie', Erv Lenzy delves into the mysterious life of his great grandfather, Charlie a gambler who vanished under enigmatic circumstances. Through family stories and genealogy research, Irv uncovers layers of myth and reality surrounding Charlie's life, exploring themes of memory, family lore, and the quest for truth in personal history.TakeawaysIn every family, there are stories that we pass down.Charlie Henderson was a gambler and drifter.Family stories can be part myth, part cautionary tale.The deeper you...
2025-04-2919 minFinding Grandpa CharlieHe Was Supposed to Be DeadOne man disappeared. A century later, his great-grandson is chasing the truth.Finding Grandpa Charlie is a true crime-style family history podcast that investigates the mysterious disappearance of Charles Newton Henderson — a gambler, gunslinger, husband, father, and possibly a man who faked his death. Was it a tragic accident or a carefully staged vanishing act? Using old census records, family recordings, DNA, and dusty legal documents, host Erv Lenzy pieces together a story buried by time, silence, and secrets.Join the search as every clue brings us closer to a man lost between tw...
2025-04-2101 min